Morocco's Women's Team Prepares for WAFCON on Home Soil

Morocco World

a day ago

Rabat – The Moroccan women's national football team has entered a crucial training camp from June 11 to 19 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maamoura, near Sale, as part of its preparations for the upcoming Africa Women's Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which is set to take place in Morocco from July 5 to 26.
According to CAF, matches of the continental tournament will be played across six stadiums in five different cities.
The selected venues include Larbi Zaouli and Père Jégo Stadiums in Casablanca, Rabat's Olympic Stadium, El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, Stade d'Honneur in Oujda, and the Municipal Stadium in Berkane.
National coach Jorge Vilda Rodriguez has summoned 30 players from the training camp, according to a statement published by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
The squad includes a mix of seasoned internationals and emerging talents across all positions.
Among the goalkeepers called up are Khadija Rmichi, Fatima Zahra Jabraoui, Hind Hassnaoui, and Iness Arouaissa.
The defense line features players such as Hannan Ait Lhaj, Zeineb Radouani, Nouhaila Benzina, and Yassmine Amrabet.
In midfield, familiar names like Ghizlane Chebbak, Anissa Lahmari, and Sara Kassi are joined by several other profiles, while the attacking lineup includes Fatima Tagnaout, Btissam Jraidi, and Kenza Chabil, among others.
Having reached the final of the last WAFCON in 2022 and earned a historic qualification for the 2023 World Cup, the Atlas Lionesses are entering this edition with high ambitions.
The home advantage, coupled with growing public support, is expected to play a key role in their performance. The team looks to capitalize on this momentum to establish Morocco as a major force in African women's football.
This preparatory stage also offers Jorge Vilda the opportunity to further evaluate his squad and narrow down his tactical options ahead of the final team selection.
Regarding Morocco's squad, it is the 'best I have coached so far,' Vilda once said at a press conference.
Host nation Morocco will compete in Group A alongside Zambia, Senegal, and DR Congo.
Group B brings together Nigeria with Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. Meanwhile, Group C features South Africa, Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania in what promises to be a tightly contested stage of the tournament.
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) unveiled yesterday the official logo and match emblem for the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024.
With just weeks remaining before the continental tournament kicks off, this training camp marks a key step in shaping Morocco's campaign on home soil. Tags: Atlas LionessessportsWAFCONwomen football